Washington State Legislature - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Washington State Legislature. The Legislative Process How a Bill Becomes a Law How to Get Involved. The Legislative Process. The Washington State Legislature is a bicameral body with 49 members in the Senate and 98 members in the House of Representatives .

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Within that two-year cycle, there are two kinds of legislative sessions: regular sessions and extraordinary, or special, sessions.

Regular Sessions

Mandated by the State Constitution and begin the second Monday in January each year. In the odd-numbered year, for example, 2013, the regular session is 105 days; in the even-numbered year, for example, 2014, it is 60 days.

Extraordinary Sessions

Called by the Governor to address specific issues, usually the budget. There can be any number of extraordinary sessions within the two-year cycle, and they can last no more than 30 days.

To make a difference in the legislative process, you must develop a relationship with your legislators.

Personal visit. Call the office, introduce yourself, tell the legislator or the legislative assistant what you would like to discuss, and make an appointment for a visit.

Attend a Town Hall Meeting. Most legislators conduct periodic town hall meetings at various locations in their district.

Write a letter. Express your views and request the member's attention through the mail.

Send an e-mail message. Like letters, e-mails should be brief, to the point, clear, and formal. Include your name and mailing address, as well as your e-mail address, and let the legislator know how you'd prefer to be contacted.

Call the toll-free Legislative Hotline. You can call the toll-free Hotline at 1.800.562.6000 to leave a message on any issue.

Testify before a committee. Make your views and positions known by testifying before a committee that is having public hearings on an issue or bill.

House of Representatives: locate the paper sign-up sheet near the entrance of the hearing room and write your name, address, and whether you favor or oppose the bill.

Senate: now done electronically; locate the committee sign-in kiosk either in the committee hearing room or in the hallway outside the hearing room and fill in the required fields (name, address, support/oppose, etc.)

Begin by introducing yourself to the chair and committee members and stating your purpose. For example, "Mr. or Madam Chair and members of the committee, I am John Doe from Spokane. I am here representing myself. I support this bill because . . ."

In your opening remarks, make it clear whether you are representing other citizens or a separate group.

Be brief and be sure your remarks are clear. Avoid being too technical and do not repeat previously made remarks. You do not need to be nervous or worried about how you present your testimony.

Be prepared for questions and comments from committee members. These are designed to gain additional information, but don't answer if you are not sure of the answer. Tell the members you will send a written answer to the committee, and then follow through.

Restrict yourself to your testimony. Abstain from other overt demonstrations such as clapping, cheering, booing, etc.